How can I know if a dream or vision is from God?

1 Thessalonians 5:17Never stop praying.

Stay close to God through prayer and ask for wisdom to discern his guidance in whatever form he chooses to send it.

Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Wise and mature believers should be consulted to help interpret a dream. Even then only time will tell if it is truly from the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

The Word of God is authoritative. No dream from God would ever contradict the clear teaching and intent of the Scriptures. No dream can be given the authority of the Word of God or be a new word from God. Thus, a dream can only confirm what you know to be true from God’s Word.

Jeremiah 23:25-28, 36-37I have heard these prophets say, “Listen to the dream I had from God last night.” And then they proceed to tell lies in my name. How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say. By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, . . . There is a difference between straw and grain!”

Because so many dreams are subjective and even bizarre, and often twist known facts, they can be easy tools for deception and manipulation. Use extreme caution when someone tries to convince you that their dream was from God and should influence your behavior.